How Long Should a Kitchen Remodel Take?

Why Kitchen Remodeling Takes Time

The home remodeling programs on HGTV are fun to watch. Magic happens in minutes. Presto! Old and outdated becomes new and modern. This is the magic of tv home remodeling.

But the TV shows only give you glimpses of the remodeling process-the pleasing parts. They don’t show the planning and preparation that goes into a successful kitchen design and remodeling.

And they don’t even come close to showing a realistic timeline to complete the project. The viewer gets the sensationalized version. We think you deserve the truth.

Perception VS Reality

You probably have friends who have remodeled their kitchens and have heard some of them say, “I thought it would be done by now.”

There are three likely reasons for this complaint:

~An inexperienced kitchen designer or contractor gave an inaccurate time frame.
~The homeowner had unrealistic expectations that were not corrected by the pros.
~Change orders requested by the homeowner that increased the scope of the work or delivery time for materials.

The most common concern or question we get from clients, and prospective clients, is “when will it be completed?” or “how long does a kitchen remodel really take?” Whether you want to know so you can plan an event, or you simply just want to know when your home will be back to normal; here are a few guidelines and a realistic schedule you can refer to.

The most fun you’ll probably have is planning your new kitchen and how you want it to look. The design phase allows you to pick and choose your new appliances, flooring, countertops, paint colors, and one of the best parts – new kitchen cabinets.

Some home renovation projects can be completed quickly. Some take several months. It really depends on the scope of the project.

How Much Time Will My Kitchen Project Take?

The time needed for designing and remodeling a kitchen depends on the scope of the project, availability of materials, and the requirements of the design.

If your desired kitchen design is straightforward, new components replace the old ones in the same layout. This is called a kitchen update. There is minimal construction or customization involved. Kitchen update projects average 4-8 weeks for a moderate sized kitchen.

Kitchen remodeling projects that involve a larger space, wall removals, structural changes, and reconfiguration of the floor plan take longer. A fair expectation is anywhere from  9-12 weeks. That’s the timeframe for a custom kitchen renovation or remodel.

Can Your Kitchen Remodel Take Even Longer?

An efficient kitchen remodeling project is built around a schedule. Your project manager lays out a series of steps to be completed in sequence.

Still, even with the most carefully planned renovation projects, delays can occur-not necessarily because of incompetence or carelessness.

Many specialty subcontractors and a lot of special ordered products are involved in a kitchen remodeling project. That makes for tricky scheduling. Everything is tied together in sequence. Little hiccups are bound to happen. Most of the time they are smoothed over by project management so that delays –if they occur– aren’t show stoppers.

Great Kitchen Remodeling Experiences Come to Those Who Plan

Here’s a detailed look at a custom kitchen remodel timeline. There are two parts: Pre-Construction and Construction Phase

Kitchen Pre-Construction Phase

Design Meetings

floor plans elevations furniture plan lighting & electrical plan

Selections

Appliances Plumbing fixtures Cabinets Countertops Backsplash Light fixtures Flooring Cabinet Hardware

Construction Drawings
Apply for Permits
Order materials (delivery dates align with construction schedule)

Kitchen Construction Schedule Example:

Week 1

-Dust & floor protection
-Demolition

Week 2

Sub-contractors rough in

-Plumbing
-Electric
-Install insulation
-Stock drywall

Week 4

-Hang & finish drywall
-Sand and prime drywall

Week 5

-Receive and set cabinets

Week 6

-Measure for countertops
-Countertop fabrication

Week 7

-Install countertops and appliances
-Painting
-Finish hardwood flooring

Week 10

-Final walk-thru & punch list meeting

There you have it. We’ve shared the truth based on our 30+ years of experience in home renovation and kitchen remodeling. Obviously, it is important to set clear expectations with customers. Remodeling your kitchen is a significant investment. We think the more you know going into it, the better you will appreciate the entire process and the team you have partnered with to enrich your experience in a new kitchen. The weeks of construction will be over before you know it. Of course, a kitchen update schedule will be shorter and a custom kitchen renovation that includes structural work may be longer, but we think that’s the magic of hiring a professional kitchen designer-making it all seem quick and easy!

Wondering how your ideas and goals for your space might look when designed by one of our Certified Professional Kitchen Designers? Or curious about recent kitchen trends? To get started, we’d love to send one of our qualified professional designers to your home and explore the options with you.  Contact us HERE or chat with us below to find out more.

About Drury Design Kitchen and Bath Studio

Founded by Gail Drury, CMKBD in 1987, Drury Design’s Client Focused Design™ approach integrates design recommendations, materials selection, and construction management into one seamless customer design, project management, and build experience. For kitchen, bath, and home remodeling ideas view Drury Design’s design portfolio or stop by the studio at 512 N. Main Street in downtown Glen Ellyn, Illinois.